Ismailia, Egypt, September 13, 2019 - USA are in the final of the 2019 FIVB Girls' U18 World Championship after scattering Brazil 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 25-14) in the first semifinal here on Friday evening. Here's the reaction from the two sides after the game:
USA coach, James Stone: I'm pleased with the performance of my players today. They were excellent in all skills. We wanted to play a consistent game because we knew that we were playing Brazil, a team that can come back at any time in the match. We achieved a steady block against the Brazilian attack throughout the match and it was really the key factor to control the match. This is a long tournament and usually needs consistent teams to continue to the end. Now we are one step from winning the competition and have to continue working hard to take the title.
USA captain, Kennedi Orr: We were mentally prepared for the match today. We watched videos of Brazil and knew well their strong points and today we did our best to apply this knowledge. After our statisticians' notes, we had to focus on defence and it was our first line, the blockers, that was key. We were also very good in reception and this allowed us to build up our attacking.
The two captains of the first semifinal at the 2019 FIVB Girls' U18 World Championship in Ismailia, on either side of the net: USA's Kennedi Orr sets the ball as Brazil's Stephany Gomes keeps a watchful eye on the ball.
Brazil coach, Hylmer Do Nascimento: USA are a great team and they desreved the win. We were never favourites in this competition. After finishing 11th and 10th in the last two world championship, we formed a brand new group of players with new coaching staff and already being amongst the top four teams here is great for us. Going to our limits yesterday [in the five-setter] against Russia may have had it's toll, but USA played a brilliant match.
Brazil captain, Stephany Gomes: We lost because we didn't play our best. We nevered believed we could do it.
Quick links - Volleyball:
FIVB Volleyball Girls' U18 World Championship
FIVB.com
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